Josephus,
It is true that many parts of Canada are shadow of their former self. Canada is in some ways a socialist state masquerading as a democracy and its grey-green political mentality is not healthy for the nation. The past twenty years have seen an economic regression in real terms, that is, in spending terms in peoples pockets and there is much more poverty here now than there was twenty-five years ago. Arguably, this is true of most Western nations, but Canada once touted as number one on the United Nations scale of the 'best' places to live, is slipping rapidly.
In the area where there are jobs, $80,000 will buy you nothing, in fact in Vancouver that would just about make a 20% downpayment on a 900 sq ft apartment. In the areas where jobs are scarce, you could buy a one-bedroomed apartment outright with that sort of cash.
The health care system is pretty grim at the moment and is in a state of flux, but compared to the US system it is much fairer. Everybody, at least in theory, is offered the same standard of treatment for an across the Board payment of about $50.00 per month ( a complusary payment ). What it needs is a politician with a little flair and foresight to light a fire underneath the passive Canadian character, but from what I can see, that is not due to happen yet. Alberta seems to be the Province that is growing fastest at the moment and they are rebelling against the national Health Care Program. I know that the term 'rebel' and 'Canadian' seem to be in opposition, but who knows!
Having said that, I have been to Belfast a number of times, and my preference for habitation would always be for Canada. It certainly has some of the most stunning scenery, especially on the East and West Coast's that you are likely to find anywhere in the world and you are much less likely to be beaten up for having the wrong surname.
Best regards - HS
